If you've decided to do your due diligence by getting a home inspection, you're already off to a good start. Licensed home inspectors know what they're doing, but even the best can miss things occasionally. Here are 5 things to keep an eye out for when performing your home inspection.

1. Roofing IssuesProblems with the roof are responsible for nearly half of all homeowners insurance claims. Your roof is one of the most important elements of your house, as well as the one most exposed to the elements. Home inspectors aren't legally required to go onto your roof and check things out first hand so it can be easy to miss substantial issues with the roofing. If you spot any areas of concern during your home inspection, or maybe even if you don't, ask your home inspector if they can get onto the roof to take a closer look.

2. Water DamageExternal water damage isn't too hard to spot, but internal water damage can be tricky. Your home inspector isn't going to tear open the walls to check for water damage. One way to avoid this pitfall is by using an infrared camera to check inside the walls for signs of water damage. Home inspectors aren't legally required to carry IR cameras, but many home inspectors choose to use one to check for water damage. Spotting this hidden water damage early can save you thousands.

3. Plumbing IssuesThis goes hand in hand with the water damage issue we mentioned above. A good plumbing system is not going to readily accessible for inspection, it's going to be behind the walls and under the floors. Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult to spot potentially serious plumbing issues during a home inspection. The solution is the same as it is for water damage: find a home inspector who is comfortable using an IR camera. Defects in the plumbing are time-consuming to fix, so it's best to catch them as early as possible.

4. Faulty AppliancesDuring your home inspection, you will probably go around and test the major appliances once or twice. While this is a good idea, you can't guarantee that a working appliance isn't defective in some way. It could be working just fine today and give out by the time you move in. One way to remedy this is by asking the previous owners for the warranty information and maintenance history for all the big appliances. If you find out that there is a history of issues with an appliance or that it hasn't been maintained very will it could save you some hassle in the long run.

5. Drainage IssuesWhen performing your home inspection make sure to look closely for any drainage issues. Check the gutters, look for flood lines in the basement, and maybe even find someone willing to do a sewer scope inspection. Poor drainage can damage your home's foundation if it goes on long enough, and that's a major problem that could even prevent you from getting a mortgage on the home.​A home inspection isn't a one man show and a good home inspector will work with you to find areas of concern and keep you and your family safe. Super Inspection Pros have over 45 years of experience in the home inspection industry and an unmatched attention to detail. Contact us today to learn more.